6 | NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY
JUNE 2026
economic impact
HAVING AN IMPACT Indigenous-led businesses helping drive economic, social development
BY JENNIFER MCFEE
Indigenous-led businesses create positive financial and social impacts across the province — and the ripple effects are serving to increase their reach.
be growing our membership, developing meaningful partnerships, introducing new and exciting events, and continuing to create opportunities that benefit our members and Indigenous businesses throughout the province,” she says. Right now, they are preparing for two upcoming events — the ICC annual gen- eral meeting on June 25 at RRC Polytech and the Neebing Golf Tournament on July 23 at The Players Course. “We also plan to continue expanding our programming, creating more net- working opportunities, strengthening procurement advocacy and supporting Indigenous entrepreneurs in any way we can,” she says. “The future of Indigenous business in Manitoba is bright and moving in the right direction, but there are still a few bumps to smooth out before we get there. To help make that happen, the ICC will continue to be a strong champion for Indigenous business and a committed advocate for meaningful change so our businesses can grow, succeed and thrive throughout the province.” By supporting a business in the ICC directory, Manitobans simultaneously support local entrepreneurs, homegrown jobs and stronger economies. “Indigenous businesses play an important role in advancing economic rec- onciliation while creating lasting impacts through community investment, rela- tionship-building and long-term growth across Manitoba,” she says. “When you support local Indigenous businesses, you are also supporting businesses that often give back directly to their communities through employment, mentorship, sponsorships and community involvement.” Looking at the bigger picture, Indig- enous entrepreneurship in Manitoba is about far more than business growth. “It’s about opportunity, self-determi-
Adding to that impact is the fact that Manitoba has one of the youngest and fastest-growing Indigenous populations in Canada. “Indigenous businesses are creating economic opportunities, supporting work- force growth and playing an increasingly important role in major industries and development projects across the prov- ince,” Bulycz says. “Economic reconciliation is no longer viewed as symbolic — it is becoming an essential part of Manitoba’s long-term economic success.” Over the past 15 years, Indigenous businesses in Manitoba have become more visible and increasingly involved in economic development projects, partner- ships and industry conversations. However, Bulycz says that Indigenous procurement remains one area that still needs improvement. “The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce recently submitted a resolution to the Manitoba government calling for major improvements to its Indigenous Procure- ment Initiative. The ICC is advocating for a stronger mandatory framework with clear targets, stronger accountability, better consultation with Indigenous businesses and safeguards against false Indigenous claims,” she says. “The goal is to create a procurement system that meaningfully increases Indigenous participation in government contracts and supports long-term Indig- enous economic growth in Manitoba. Although important steps are being taken, there is still major work ahead to ensure Indigenous businesses have equitable access to opportunities and a stronger role in Manitoba’s economic future.” With Bulycz’s recent appointment as CEO, the ICC is poised to enter a new chapter focused on growth, partnerships and increased presence. “A major priority moving forward will
The Indigenous Chamber of Commerce (ICC) currently has about 200 members and is Manitoba’s leading voice for Indige- nous business and economic reconcilia- tion. The organization brings together both Indigenous and non-Indigenous businesses, entrepreneurs and community leaders to strengthen relationships and advance econom- ics across the province. The organization continues to grow while also helping Indig- enous businesses expand their reach, build partnerships and access new opportunities.
Shelly Bulycz recently took the helm of the organization
as its new chief executive officer and is enthusiastic about the economic impacts Indigenous-led businesses are having here in Manitoba. “Financially, these businesses create jobs, attract investment, support local supply chains and contribute to long-term economic growth across both urban and rural communities,” she says. She points to a Brandon University study conducted by the Rural Develop- ment Institute in partnership with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization and Man- itoba Keewatinowi Okimakanak Inc. The study found that Indigenous economic activity contributed more than $2.3 billion to Manitoba’s GDP, supported upwards of 35,700 jobs, generated $1.3 billion in wages and salaries, and contributed $231 million in taxes in 2016 alone. “Socially, the impact is equally significant,” she adds. “Many Indig- enous businesses reinvest back into their communities, support youth and cultural initiatives, strengthen language and cultural preservation, and help create opportunities for future generations.”
THE FUTURE OF INDIGENOUS BUSINESS IN MANITOBA IS BRIGHT AND MOVING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION “ – Shelley Bulycz “
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